hidden gems - Municipality of Highlands East

Transcription

Hidden Gems
Come to know the story of our earth.
THINGS TO DO
Experience
Recreational
Geology
In ontarIo’s hIGhLanDs
Geology is a detective story — a reading of the rocks to learn
the secret history of the earth. our region features one of the
most unusual, rich and diverse geological environments in the
whole country, making ontario’s Highlands an important part
of that story. recreational Geology also impacts our past and
present way of life — our Geoheritage. From the unique taste
of ontario’s best maple syrup, to the exhilarating curves and
scenic vistas along some of the Province’s best touring routes,
our geology influences every aspect of how we live, work, and
play here in ontario’s Highlands.
Just one look at the bedrock map below and you can see
that there is something special about ontario’s Highlands
(highlighted in red). each colour represents a different type
of bedrock, but you don’t have to be a geologist to appreciate
the tale they tell as you come to know the story of our earth
through our land and our people. many artists claim this is why
they seek their inspiration here, and this is why there is such a
great diversity of plant and animal species found in ontario’s
Highlands — our unique geology.
CoMe to know...
buried treasure
ontario’s Highlands is full of hidden gems, but if you’re looking
for a new way to get hands-on with nature, get out and dig for
beautiful crystals you can take home with you! Give it a try in
Bancroft, canada’s mineral capital.
geoHeritage
Geoheritage can cover a lot of things, but here in ontario’s
Highlands, we take it personally. Go underground in Perth and
experience life as a turn-of-the-century mica miner in a land
where you could farm little else.
industrial Heritage
Logging was an important driver of early european settlement
and trade in the region. But did you know ontario’s Highlands
used to be the biggest mining district in the country? Go for
a personal tour of ontario’s first gold mine in eldorado to
learn more.
tHe Power of water
over the last billion years, ontario’s Highlands has seen tropical
beaches, murky ocean depths, thick glaciers, cold seas, and
whales! Without water, ours would be a very different landscape.
see for yourself at the Bonnechere caves in eganville.
disCoVery
there are lots of great full-service recreational Geology
attractions and ready-made experiences to enjoy, but with so
much public wilderness to explore, there are still countless
exciting discoveries yet to be made. check out the discovery
page of our website for more “off the beaten path” experiences.
Come to know the story of our earth.
WWW.ontariosHiGHLands.ca/GeoLoGY
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Haliburton
HigHlands
#myHaliburtonHighlands
THINGS TO DO
www.myhaliburtonhighlands.com
12340 Hwy 35, minden / 800-461-7677
lots of great
PlaCes to dig
Wilberforce, tory Hill, and Gooderham might not be in your
world atlas at home, but they are internationally-renowned as the
locations for some of the most extraordinary crystal specimens
and rare mineral species that ontario’s Highlands’ unique geology
has ever produced. take a look at the labels in practically any
mineral display in the world and you’ll be sure to find them, or
come to the scenic Haliburton Highlands to see for yourself what
all the fuss is about!
HigHlands east
Mineral ClaiMs
tHe world-faMous
bear lake diggings
owned and operated by the Bancroft & district chamber
of commerce, the Bear Lake diggings is the Province’s first
publicly-protected mineral collecting location and has been
one of the most popular destinations in the “Bancroft collecting
area” for decades. Being in Haliburton county though (close
to other world-renowned collecting sites near tory Hill and
Wilberforce), you’ll want to be sure to check out some of the
other great places to dig while you’re in the neighbourhood.
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ontario’s HiGHLands | Hidden Gems
in order to ensure lasting public access to more great mineral
collecting opportunities, the municipality of Highlands east has
recently taken the unprecedented step of becoming ontario’s
first municipality ever to hold mineral claims.
Home to one of only a handful of mines in canada to have
been worked commercially for gemstones, Highlands east has
long drawn travelling rockhounds in search of a bit of bling, but
it also has one of the largest diversity of rare mineral species in
all of ontario’s Highlands.
the desmont mine, schickler Fluorite occurrence, essonville
roadcut, and titanite Hill are just a few of the rewarding public
destinations you can visit, all within just a few minutes drive of
each other! stop by the municipal office or agnew’s General store
in Wilberforce to get your rockhunting adventure started today!
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Haliburton
HigHlands
#myHaliburtonHighlands
look at our eartH
in a different way
Geology isn’t just about what’s underground, it’s also
about how bedrock, minerals, sediments, and the agents
of geological change affect our landscape, and every living
thing that thrives here.
greenMantle farM
even though Haliburton is home to some of the
best rockhounding in ontario’s Highlands, not every
great mineral location is a collecting site. take an
interpretive tour of undisturbed deposits to learn
how minerals and geology affect the landscape and
the environment.
THINGS TO DO
www.experiencehaliburton.com
12340 Hwy 35, minden / 800-461-7677
the foundation of our earth through fun activities
and great natural heritage displays.
Minden wildwater
PreserVe
the course of rivers and roads can be dictated by the land,
but people and water have the power to alter the landscape in
return. in minden, these agents of geological change are hard
at work turning this stunning natural rapids into an olympiccalibre whitewater course.
geoMorPHology Hike
You know you’ve arrived in ontario’s Highlands when
straight, orderly roads start to bend to the will of hilly
terrain and rocky outcrops. Geomorphology = the
shape of our earth. Find out more about why our
landscape looks the way it does as you hike this
scenic 3.5 kilometre loop.
Photo by Whitewater ontario
dorset lookout tower
Finish off your geomorphology adventure with a
picnic lunch and a stunning overview of ontario’s
Highlands rugged landscape from this 30 metre fire
tower lookout — one of the region’s most popular
vantages for the best fall colours in the Province!
nature’s PlaCe
“the Land Between” is an area of extraordinary
biodiversity that straddles the st. Lawrence Lowlands
and the canadian shield. Learn about this unique
ecotone and explore geology’s fundamental role as
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geoCaCHing
CaPital of Canada
You might not think of geology when you hear the word
geocaching, but “geo” means earth. a rich mining heritage
is an important part of our geological legacy. it’s no surprise
then that when you start exploring Highlands east, you’ll find
that there are some great caches hidden in old mines, and many
more yet to be discovered. ask at agnew’s General store in
Wilberforce for details.
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nortH
Hastings
canada’s mineral capital
THINGS TO DO
www.bancroftdistrict.com
8 Heritage Hastings Way, Bancroft / 888-443-9999
Heritage
train station
For over 30 years, the heritage train station in the heart of
Bancroft has been the jewel in the crown of canada’s mineral
capital — now completely restored and better than ever! it is
home to the Bancroft Gem and mineral club museum, and the
Bancroft & district chamber of commerce. together they have
inspired thousands of visitors to go off in search of their very
own buried treasure.
banCroft
Mineral MuseuM
enJoy
Beautiful crystals and gemstones from ontario’s Highlands
grace the shelves of every major public and private mineral
collection around the world. But don’t worry, we’ve saved the
best for you!
owned and operated by the Bancroft Gem and mineral
club, this world-class display features the finest collection of
Bancroft area minerals to be found anywhere.
regularly-scheduled, guided collecting trips
to popular locations throughout the fair season.
mineral collecting guidebooks, field guides, and
tons of other great information about local minerals.
World-class displays of Bancroft area minerals,
gemstones, and mining memorabilia.
canada’s largest gem and mineral show, the
rockhound Gemboree — civic Holiday long-weekend.
General visitor information — conveniently
located right in town.
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THINGS TO DO
nortH
Hastings
canada’s mineral capital
8 Heritage Hastings Way, Bancroft / 888-443-9999
PrinCess
sodalite Mine
the Princess sodalite mine, so named for the British aristocracy’s
keen interest in this royal-blue gem of ontario’s Highlands, is one
of our most unique and storied recreational geology attractions.
Proprietor, andy christie, is a wealth of knowledge about the area’s
mineral resources and offers collecting in the “rock Farm”,
mineral samples for sale, handcrafted jewelry, and of course,
sodalite —which he mines on-site himself.
Photo by Kevin mills
eagle’s nest lookout
Get a bird’s-eye view of how our unique geology gives rise to
the iconic landscape of ontario’s Highlands from high atop one
of its most striking features. eagle’s nest is a 60 metre rock wall
on the edge of the York river valley with the town of Bancroft
nestled below.
Photo by corey Lablans
EXPERIENCE MORE
lakeside geMs
at Lakeside Gems you will find a large selection of semi-precious
gemstones, minerals, rock-hounding tools, rock tumblers, jewelry,
gifts, decor, metaphysical items, and more. Whether you’re from
the Bancroft area or just visiting, you will find something new
and interesting every time you visit. Be sure to ask about healing
workshops too!
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Ask at the visitor information
centre in the Heritage Train
Station (just off Highway 28,
right in town) about these, and
other one-of-a-kind experiences
in the Mineral Capital of Canada.
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Dorset Fire
Tower Lookout
Geomorphology Hike
Nature’s Place
Lochlin Esker
Bear Lake Diggings
Greenmantle Farm
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8
9
Geocaching Capital
of Canada
Highlands East
Municipal Office
Silent Lake
Provincial Park
Haliburton
HigHlands P. 2
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2
3
4
5
6
13 Princess
Sodalite Mine
14 Egan Chutes
Provincial Park
nortH Hastings P. 6
10 Lakeside Gems
11 Mineral Museum /
Train Station
12 Eagle’s Nest
17 Deloro Mine
18 Richardson Gold Mine
19 Canada Talc Mine
soutH Hastings P. 12
15 Marmora
Tourism Office
16 Marmoraton Mine
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25 Bonnechere Museum
26 Geology & Fossil Trail
27 Bonnechere Caves
28 Westmeath
Provincial Park
29 Ottawa River
Provincial Park
ottawa Valley P. 14
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Bonnechere
Provincial Park
Rose Quartz Pit
Beryl Pit
Ontario’s Highest
Populated Place
Ottawa Valley
Interpretive Sign
400
36 Metcalfe
Geoheritage Park
37 Murphys Point
Provincial Park
lanark County P. 18
33 Tatlock Quarry
34 Matheson
House Museum
35 Civitan Court
Provincial Park
32 Silver Lake
Provincial Park
land o’ lakes P. 20
30 Bon Echo
Provincial Park
31 Sharbot Lake
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1
2
MINDEN
35
3
7
5
7
6
9
60
11 12
10
BANCROFT
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ALGONQUIN PARK
4
28
PETERBOROUGH
115
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14
17
20
15 16
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23
41
21 22
18
17
28
27
132
KALADAR
7
29
31
EGANVILLE
25 26
24
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MADOC
62
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417
416
401
OTTAWA
PERTH
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34 35
37
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KINGSTON
soutH
Hastings
centre of industrial Heritage
ontario’s first
gold Mine
in 1866, a local clerk fell into a cave studded with gold while
he was exploring a neighbour’s farm for copper mineralization.
although short-lived, this discovery sparked a gold rush that
would rival the early days of the Klondike, 30 years later.
mounties, prospectors, homesteaders and scoundrels — hear
their stories as you tour the richardson mine discovery location
and the ruins of the original townsite of eldorado.
THINGS TO DO
www.marmoraandlake.ca/visit-2
9 matthew st., marmora / 613-472-1515
deloro Mine
the deloro mine is the site of one of the ministry of the
environment’s largest cleanup efforts in southern ontario.
although perhaps not the proudest moment in the history of
ontario’s Highlands, it is an important lesson as we all work
towards a sustainable future. originally worked for gold alongside
the richardson mine, arsenic soon became its major commodity
(and its unfortunate legacy). Later, the arsenic-rich ores from
the historic silver mining camps of cobalt, ontario would also
be shipped here because of special processing procedures we
pioneered. today, innovative new techniques are being employed
to contain hazardous waste and return our environment to its
natural state.
MarMoraton Mine
in 1948, a government airborne survey employing the brand
new science of geophysics discovered a vast orebody of iron
that lay beneath 120 feet of solid limestone overburden near
the town of marmora. in 1953, stripping began to remove 70
million tons of waste rock and expose one of southern ontario’s
richest iron deposits. Before it closed in 1979, the marmoraton
mine had produced 1.3 million tons of iron ore for the Bethlehem
steel mills in new York. today, the water-filled pit covers 75 acres
and reaches depths of more than 600 feet, qualifying it as an
artificial lake! the viewing area with interpretive panels offers a
spectacular view.
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tHe Miner’s looP
visit these sites on their own or as a part of the miner’s Loop
driving tour. the name harkens back to a time when weary
miners would travel from town to town for a Friday night
drink (or four) and to catch up on all the latest gossip from
the neighbouring camps. Pick up a self-guided brochure at the
marmora tourism office or inquire about special guided tours
to see these historic locations and more as you explore the
rich industrial heritage of ontario’s Highlands.
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ottawa
Valley
Whitewater capital of canada
THINGS TO DO
www.ottawavalley.travel
39 Bonnechere street, eganville / 613-628-1594
bonneCHere
MuseuM
tHe ordoViCian fossil CaPital of Canada
the ordovician Period (450~500 million years ago) left an
indelible mark, not only on the bedrock of the ottawa valley,
but also on the town of eganville. at the time, warm tropical
seas teemed with life and deep ocean sediments were being
laid down over parts of what is now ontario’s Highlands. these
sediments were eventually cemented and uplifted to become
the fossil-rich limestones that can be seen in much of the town’s
historic architecture, and that form the basis for its Fossil capital
status today. stop in to the Bonnechere museum for more
information about great Fossil capital activities like guided
fossil hunts, interpretive walking tours, and displays of local
Fossils and minerals.
bonneCHere CaVes
the Bonnechere caves are a true marvel of the geological
diversity of ontario’s Highlands. in 1853, a government surveyor
made the first note on the caves’ existence — two words:
subterranean channels. one hundred years later, a WWii flying
ace tied a rope around his waist and rediscovered ontario’s most
extensive underground caverns. visit the caves today and relive
his harrowing adventure (no ropes required). regular tours run
throughout the day from the may long weekend to thanksgiving.
eganVille geology
& fossil trail
interpretive displays, beautifully maintained trails, scenic river
views, reclaimed wildlife habitat, historic sites, and five acres of
prime fossil hunting grounds — all right in town! Just a few
minutes walk from the Bonnechere museum, the brand new
Geology and Fossil trail is the jewel in the ordovician Fossil
capital’s crown.
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ottawa
Valley
Whitewater capital of canada
ontario’s HigHest
PoPulated PlaCe
the Gatineau Hills and the eardly escarpment in Quebec,
together with the mount st. Patrick scarp in ontario define the
edges of the ottawa-Bonnechere Graben, an ancient continental
rift that almost tore the country apart — literally!
Peer into the depths of the valley from high atop ontario’s
highest populated peak. a rewarding cycling destination from the
town of eganville, or a worthwhile place to stretch your legs after
a long drive, the abandoned radar base at Foymount and the
lookout below provide captivating views of the ottawa valley.
THINGS TO DO
39 Bonnechere street, eganville / 613-628-1594
aquarose Minerals
tHe beryl Pit & tHe rose quartZ Pit
Whether you’re looking for fine examples of rare minerals, pretty
rocks for your garden, gem-quality amazonite, rose quartz and
aquamarine, or just something different to do with the family this
summer, you’ll find it all in Quadeville. Quadeville isn’t just the
former getaway of notorious gangster al capone, it’s also your
chance to find real gemstones, right here in ontario’s Highlands!
the Beryl Pit is accessible between may and october as a
self-guided experience; permits may be purchased at Kauffeldt’s
General store. Guided visits to the rose Quartz Pit hosted by
dave and renee are available by appointment. Be sure to ask
about their handcrafted, local gemstone jewellery too!
GUIDED TOURS TO
THE ROSE QUARTZ PIT
By Appointment Only. Call for Details.
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lanark
County
maple syrup capital of ontario
THINGS TO DO
www.lanarkcountytourism.com
11 Gore street east, Perth / 855-326-1947
outdoor geoHeritage disPlays
the metcalfe Geoheritage Park is the first such
municipal park in ontario. Learn about the rocky
environment that makes up makes up ontario’s
Highlands here, or at civitan court in Perth.
tatloCk quarry
For a look at how mining is still an important industry
in Lanark today, take in the awe-inspiring view of
this operating marble quarry. Be sure to stop and
check out the quaint villages along the way!
ontario’s HigHlands’
geoHeritage CaPital
as you travel through ontario’s Highlands, you’ll find that we
have found different ways to celebrate our unique geology in
different areas. in Lanark county, it’s a way of life.
silVer queen Mine
the silver Queen mine is the focal point for
geoheritage programming, festivals, and interpretive
activities organized by the Friends of murphys Point
Provincial Park. it’s also a unique opportunity to go
for an underground tour of a turn-of-the-century
mica mine.
tHe roCk CyCle
MatHeson House MuseuM
meet dr. Wilson (1798~1881), ontario’s Highlands’ first
recreational geologist. Help us celebrate the amateur
contribution to science as you marvel at his discoveries
and the buried treasures of Lanark county in this
brand new geology display.
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Bicycling is another important part of life in Lanark county and
it’s a great way to take in many of these important geoheritage
sites and more. starting at matheson House, you can pick up a
self-guided brochure for a 42 kilometre loop that will take you for
a tour of civitan court, the perthite discovery location, and into
murphys Point Provincial Park for a tour of the silver Queen mine.
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THINGS TO DO
ontario
Parks
www.ontarioparks.com
CENTRAL RESERVATIONS LINE
888-ont-ParK (888-668-7275)
Pristine wilderness trails, interPretiVe
PrograMMing & great nature aCtiVities
From the monumental mazinaw rock that has inspired artists
for thousands of years, to the unique underground mine tour
at murphys Point, ontario Parks offers spectacular access to
some of the ontario’s Highlands’ most amazing geology. With
almost 30 Parks in ontario’s Highlands to explore, you might
want to plan to stay a little longer! Here are just a few to get
you started...
MurPHys Point - lanark County
From the Heritage mica days celebrations with
costumed interpreters and fun family activities,
to underground tours of the silver Queen mine,
murphys Point Provincial Park takes Geoheritage to
a deeper level. call to book your campsite today!
bonneCHere - ottawa Valley
Photo by pavels
bon eCHo - land o’ lakes
the central feature of Bon echo Park is the towering
cliffs that rise out of mazinaw Lake. You may have
seen them in paintings by the Group of seven, but
nothing compares to the real thing!
egan CHute — nortH Hastings
there are numerous old mines and classic mineral
locations along the scenic York river, just minutes
from the town of Bancroft. Water access and trails
provide excellent opportunities to explore our
unique geology.
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the ottawa-Bonnechere Graben is one of the
most significant physiographic features of our
region. it defines the ottawa valley and has
influenced settlement and trade for thousands
of years. explore the storied waters of the ottawa
valley through geological, archaeological, and
heritage programming.
westMeatH - ottawa Valley
ottawa riVer
the ottawa river near Westmeath is home to many
of the outfitters and experience providers that make
the valley canada’s Whitewater capital. Whether
you’re shooting the rapids or touring the parks, be
sure to scan the limestone banks that give us another
claim to fame: the ordovician Fossil capital of canada.
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scan and discover more at:
www.ontarioshighlands.ca/geology
For more great ideas on where to stay and what
to do in Ontario’s Highlands, visit our website or
contact our partners listed below.
Haliburton
Highlands
www.myhaliburtonhighlands.com
12340 Hwy 35, Minden
(800) 461-7677
Lanark County
www.lanarkcountytourism.com
11 Gore Street East, Perth
(855) 326-1947
North Hastings
Land O’ Lakes
8 Heritage Hastings Way, Bancroft
(888) 443-9999
www.travellandolakes.com
113047 Highway #7, Kaladar
(800) 840-4445
South Hastings
Rideau Heritage
Route
www.marmoraandlake.ca/visit-2
9 Matthew Street, Marmora
(613) 472-1515
Ottawa Valley
39 Bonnechere Street, Eganville
(613) 628-1594
www.rideauheritageroute.ca
Algonquins
of Ontario
www.tanakiwin.com
Central Canadian Federation
of Mineralogical Societies
www.ccfms.ca
Photos by Michael Bainbridge, except as noted.

hidden gems - Municipality of Highlands East

Transcription

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